ROADWORKS that had threatened to close a busy road in Burnham, sending motorists on a nine-mile diversion, will now be going ahead.

The Weekly News reported last week that Somerset County Council would not be closing Berrow Road while a new pedestrian crossing is installed.

However this week Wessex Water said they will be carrying out sewer repairs between Monday, February 9, and Tuesday, February 17, meaning the closure will still take place.

The controversial decision to close the road means that motorists will be sent on a nine-mile diversion through Brent Knoll.

Somerset County Council have apologised to residents for the confusion with a spokesman saying: “Work on the new pedestrian crossing, which does not require a road closure, will now start on Monday, February 23, due to a delay in the delivery of materials.

“We apologise for this confusion to residents, and are very grateful to them for their patience as this essential work goes ahead.

“Any official diversion route has to follow the same classification of road as that being closed to ensure it is suitable for all classes of vehicles, such as HGVs.”